Ahmadinejad's supporters were arrested for witchcraft

06.05.2011 10:54
Iranian authorities have detained a number of supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, accusing some of them of being witches and called jinn. As reported by The Guardian, detentions were made during the current week.

According to the newspaper, which refers to the Iranian news resource Ayandeh, among those arrested was a Ghafari Abbas (Abbas Ghaffari), whom authorities accused of possessing "special skills in metaphysics and links to unknown worlds." American TV BPS adds that Ghafari imputed occupation exorcism and communication with spirits.

In total, according to The Guardian, were arrested 25 people. PBS with reference to the newspaper Etedal "makes clear that those arrested were smaller. In addition, the channel reported on summons the head of the official Iranian news agency IRNA, Ali Akbar Dzhavanfekra (Ali Akbar Javanfekr), considered to be a protege of Mr. Ahmadinejad.

Commenting on the arrest, The Guardian notes that they have been made against the backdrop of the ongoing confrontation between Ahmadinejad and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict between the country's leaders began after Khamenei refused to approve the resignation of the Minister for Intelligence Heidar Moslehi (Heydar Moslehi), which sent him president.

The media have repeatedly noted that the dismissal of a failed Minister Ahmadinejad coordinated with his closest adviser, former head of its administration Esfandyarom Rahim Mashei (Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei). Moreover, it is noted that the president believes Mashei his successor, who should replace him after the elections of 2013.

In the past Mashei served as first vice president, but in 2009 was dismissed by the sole decision of Khamenei. Now, writes The Guardian, the supreme leader of Iran believes that the former chief of staff Ahmazhinedzhada is the de facto president.

In late April, it became known that because of differences with Khamenei, a group of deputies of the Majlis began preparations to declare Ahmadinejad impeachment. On Thursday, May 5, lawmakers have prepared a petition to call upon the president to parliament, where he planned to ask several questions about its policy, reported Bloomberg citing an Iranian news agency Mehr.